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Comerica Cityfest 2009, formerly Tastefest, is setting the stage to deliver a festival that’s as big and bangin’ as ever, with the best tunes and tastes in Detroit from Wednesday, July 1 to Sunday, July 5. The five-day, FREE event is turning 21 this year and is of age to party for a great cause, raising funds for the development and beautification of Detroit’s Historic New Center.

Last year, hundreds of stoked and soaked festival-goers took cover in the Fisher Building when a torrential summer downpour cut the opening day short. Little did they know that Cityfest staff was already planning Rain Check Wednesday for 2009.

The festival plans for clear skies on Wednesday, July 1 for a belated kick-off performance by hip-hop veterans De La Soul, while local stars The Silent Years, Jazzhead, Magic Shop, The Dead Bodies and others will reprise their ’09 schedules on the Pure Detroit, Park and Jazz stages.

Five-time Grammy-award-winning blues guitarist Buddy Guy will close the festival on Sunday, July 5, with selections from his recent Grammy-nominated album Skin Deep and old favorites such as Damn Right I’ve Got the Blues, Feels like Rain and First Time I Met the Blues.

In addition to the great music, Comerica Cityfest 2009 will once again transform West Grand Boulevard into the area’s largest al fresco taste event, featuring cuisine diversity that is distinctlyDetroit.

Rounding out the returning Cityfest favorites are the2nd Avenue Street Market, Cityfest Gallery, Modern Skate course, and other Cool and Kids Stuff Galore.

Comerica Cityfest 2009 will maintain its extended hours offering a great time in New Center from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

The festival will also continue its green initiative that was announced last year, including banning Styrofoam, encouraging the use of green products such as Green Safe, selling 100% organic cotton festival t-shirts and drastically reducing water usage through better distribution practices.

Admission to Comerica Cityfest is free. “Taste” tickets are $10 for 16 tickets.